Traveling From Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Travelers

Planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Denver, Colorado? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying in through Hartsfield-Jackson, or are visiting family before heading west, this guide walks you through the main options, what to expect, and how to plan the trip smoothly from an Atlanta-focused point of view.

Quick Overview: Atlanta to Denver at a Glance

Distance from Atlanta to Denver (by road):
Roughly 1,400–1,450 miles one way, depending on your route.

Main ways to travel from Atlanta to Denver:

• By plane – fastest and most common for Atlanta residents
• By car – road trip via I‑20 / I‑70 or I‑40
• By bus – long, budget-friendly option
• By train + bus combos – possible but time-consuming

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:

Flying From Atlanta to Denver

For most people in Atlanta, flying is by far the easiest way to get to Denver.

Main Atlanta Airport to Use

You’ll almost certainly fly out of:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport serving all of metro Atlanta and much of Georgia.

From there, you’ll land at Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about 25–30 miles from downtown Denver.

How Long Is the Flight?

• Nonstop flight time: typically about 3 to 3.5 hours in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door from Atlanta: often 6–8 hours including:
  • Getting to ATL
  • Security lines
  • Possible waiting for luggage and transport in Denver

Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson From Around Atlanta

Depending on where you live or stay in the Atlanta area, you have several reliable options:

1. MARTA (Good for in-town and near-rail suburbs)

• The MARTA Red and Gold rail lines go directly to the Airport Station, inside the domestic terminal.
• Useful if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA rail.

2. Driving and Parking

• You can drive via I‑75/85 straight to the airport.
• Long-term parking is available on-airport and at many off-airport lots around College Park and Hapeville.

3. Rideshare & Taxis

• Widely available throughout metro Atlanta, including suburbs like Sandy Springs, Decatur, Smyrna, and Duluth.

Tips for Atlanta Flyers Heading to Denver

• Plan for security time: ATL is busy; many travelers allow 2 hours for domestic flights.
• Check winter weather on both ends:
  • Denver can have snow and ice when Atlanta is still mild.
  • Flights from Atlanta can be delayed by summer thunderstorms; from Denver, by winter storms.
• Altitude adjustment: Denver is much higher in elevation than Atlanta. Travelers often give themselves a bit of time on arrival to rest, hydrate, and take it easy with strenuous activity.

Driving From Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO

If you prefer a road trip or need to transport pets, gear, or a lot of luggage, driving from Atlanta to Denver is very doable, but it is a serious distance.

Approximate Distance & Drive Time

• Distance: around 1,400–1,450 miles
• Drive time (without major stops): roughly 20–23 hours

Most Atlanta drivers break the trip into 2–3 days.

Common Driving Routes From Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a major interstate hub, you can reach Denver using several main interstates. A frequently used pattern is:

Route Example: I‑20 West and I‑70 West

1. Leave Atlanta on I‑20 West (from Downtown, I‑285, or I‑75/85).
2. Travel through Alabama and Mississippi to Birmingham and Jackson.
3. Continue west and then angle northwest through Texas and Oklahoma, depending on your chosen path.
4. Connect north and west toward I‑70, which leads into Colorado and toward Denver.

Another general pattern is to go northwest via Tennessee first, then connect west, but many travelers from Atlanta prefer the I‑20 corridor since it’s familiar and less mountainous early on.

Because exact routing can change due to construction or closures, most Atlanta drivers rely on a GPS app and check conditions before leaving.

Planning Your Stops From Atlanta

From the Atlanta area, logical overnight stops (depending on your pace) might be:

• Day 1: Somewhere in Mississippi, Arkansas, or eastern Oklahoma
• Day 2: Western Kansas or eastern Colorado, then into Denver

Your exact rhythm will depend on:

• When you leave Atlanta (morning vs evening)
• How many drivers you have
• How often you like to stop for meals and breaks

Road Trip Considerations for Atlanta Drivers

Weather:

• You’re leaving a humid, often warm climate in Atlanta.
• As you get closer to Denver, especially in fall, winter, and spring, conditions can shift to snow, ice, or high winds.
• Check forecasts along the route and especially near the Colorado state line.

Vehicle prep in Atlanta:

Before leaving metro Atlanta, many travelers:

• Have brakes and tires checked at a local shop.
• Top off fluids and confirm heat/AC works (you could need both).
• Bring an emergency kit: water, snacks, blankets, phone chargers, and a basic first-aid kit.

Time zone changes:

• Leaving Atlanta (Eastern Time), you’ll eventually cross into Central Time, and then Mountain Time near Denver.
• You gain hours as you travel west, but keep this in mind for hotel reservations and arrival plans.

Bus Travel From Atlanta to Denver

If you don’t want to fly or drive, intercity bus service is another way Atlanta residents can get to Denver, although it’s slower.

What to Expect

• Travel time: often 25–35+ hours, depending on connections and stops.
• Transfers: You may have one or more bus changes in cities between Atlanta and Denver.
• Comfort level: Basic seating, some rest stops, varying onboard amenities.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Intercity buses generally depart from stations near Downtown or Midtown Atlanta. While the exact station or carrier can change, many operate in:

• The Downtown Atlanta area, close to MARTA rail, or
• Nearby corridors that connect easily to I‑20 and I‑75/85.

If you’re coming from:

• Midtown / Downtown: you can often use MARTA rail + a short walk or rideshare.
• Suburbs: consider MARTA park-and-ride lots or rideshare into the city to avoid central-city parking.

Who Bus Travel Suits Best

Traveling by bus from Atlanta to Denver can be useful if:

• You’re prioritizing lower cost over speed.
• You don’t want to drive long distances.
• You’re flexible about arrival time and don’t mind overnight travel.

Train and Mixed-Mode Options From Atlanta

Atlanta does have intercity rail service, but there is no single direct train from Atlanta to Denver.

Amtrak in Atlanta

Peachtree Station (Atlanta Amtrak Station)
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

This station serves the Crescent route, which runs generally north–south (New York ↔ Atlanta ↔ New Orleans). To reach Denver mostly by rail, travelers from Atlanta may need to:

• Take Amtrak from Atlanta to another hub city, then
• Transfer to a different long-distance train heading west, and/or
• Use a bus connection into Denver.

This can be interesting if:

• You enjoy long-distance rail travel.
• You value watching the scenery and are not in a hurry.

But for most Atlanta residents, flying or driving tends to be more practical for this specific route.

When Is the Best Time for Atlanta Residents to Go to Denver?

Your timing may depend on what you’re escaping or seeking compared to Atlanta’s climate.

Comparing Seasons: Atlanta vs. Denver

• Summer

  • Atlanta: hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Denver: generally drier, warm to hot but less humid.
  • Many Atlantans enjoy the less-humid air, but sun intensity can feel stronger.

• Fall

  • Atlanta: gradually cooling, colorful foliage into North Georgia mountains.
  • Denver: crisp air, earlier chill, possibility of early snow at higher elevations.
  • A popular time for Atlantans wanting cooler weather and mountain scenery.

• Winter

  • Atlanta: mild to chilly with occasional ice or snow.
  • Denver: colder, with snow more likely, especially in nearby mountains.
  • Good for ski trips or snowboarding if you’re heading from Atlanta for winter sports.

• Spring

  • Atlanta: pollen season, warming temperatures, thunderstorms.
  • Denver: can still have late snow at higher elevations, but city warms up.
  • Appealing if you want cooler, drier air than Atlanta’s spring humidity.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Denver

1. Adjusting From Atlanta’s Altitude to Denver’s

Atlanta’s elevation is modest, while Denver’s is around 5,000+ feet above sea level.

Many travelers from Atlanta:

• Hydrate well on the flight or during the drive.
• Take it a bit easier on strenuous exercise the first day.
• Avoid relying heavily on alcohol their first night there, if possible.

These are general comfort tips, not medical advice; if you have health concerns, check with a professional before you travel.

2. Packing Considerations Based on Leaving From Atlanta

Leaving from a warmer, more humid climate often means:

• Layers are key: Atlanta travelers may depart in short sleeves and arrive in Denver needing a jacket, especially at night.
• Footwear: If you plan mountain or trail activity, pack more rugged shoes than you might typically use in Atlanta.
• Sun protection: Even if you’re used to Atlanta summers, sun at higher elevations in Colorado can feel more intense.

3. Airport & Transit in Atlanta

If you’re connecting through the city or have guests coming to Atlanta before heading to Denver:

• Hartsfield-Jackson is connected to the MARTA rail system, which is helpful if you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• International visitors flying into Atlanta before Denver will likely pass through ATL’s international terminal (Concourse F), then connect to their Denver flight.

Planning From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Where you live in metro Atlanta shapes how you approach the trip to Denver.

If You’re in the City (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, etc.)

• To fly: MARTA + Airport Station is often the least stressful.
• To bus/train: You’re closer to central stations and can take MARTA or a short rideshare.

If You’re in the Northern Suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth)

• Driving to Denver: You may connect to I‑285 or GA‑400, then head toward I‑20/I‑75/85.
• Flying:
  • Many residents drive or rideshare to MARTA stations like North Springs or Dunwoody, then take MARTA to the airport.
  • Others drive directly to ATL and use on-site or off-site parking.

If You’re on the Southside (College Park, East Point, Fayetteville, McDonough)

• You’re closer to ATL already, which makes flying especially convenient.
• For long road trips, you can quickly connect to I‑75 or I‑85, then to I‑20 West.

If You’re Coming From Outside Metro Atlanta

Travelers from cities like Macon, Columbus, Augusta, or Athens often:

• Drive into Atlanta to catch a flight to Denver, or
• Connect to intercity buses in or near Downtown Atlanta.

Leaving extra time for Atlanta traffic, especially around I‑285 and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), is important.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta-to-Denver Travel

• Flying from ATL to DEN is the fastest and most convenient option for most Atlanta residents, with a 3–3.5 hour nonstop flight time.
• Driving from Atlanta to Denver is a major road trip of around 1,400+ miles, often split over 2–3 days.
• Bus travel is slower but can be budget-friendly; departures are typically from central Atlanta.
• Train-based routes from Atlanta to Denver are possible but complex and time-consuming.
• Always factor in Atlanta’s traffic, time zone changes, and Denver’s higher elevation and different weather when planning.

With the right preparation in Atlanta—whether that means booking flights from Hartsfield-Jackson, planning a multi-day drive along I‑20, or mapping out bus connections—you can choose the travel option that fits your time, comfort, and budget as you head from Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO.